Public Health Relevance

Dengue s an acute febrile viral disease transmitted through the bite of a mosquito and caused by four closely related dengue viruses. A greater than fourfold increase in dengue cases has been reported over the last three decades. The illness is frequently self-limiting, although it can be incapacitating and require hospitalization. Severe disease is rare, but may be fatal without proper, timely treatment. CDC has established a sentinel enhanced surveillance and research site (SEDSS) in Ponce that will allow us to better understand the clinical course of dengue and learn more about its epidemiology, outcomes and prevention in Puerto Rico. Through this cooperative agreement funding opportunity we will be able to implement the Enhanced Dengue Diagnosis and Management (EDDAM) Program, which has the potential of expanding the capacity beyond SEDSS to accomplish innovation in the diagnosis and management of dengue.